How to Schedule an Email in Outlook? [Updated 2026]

How to Schedule an Email in Outlook

1. Check which Outlook version you have. On Windows, a Settings gear in the top right usually indicates new Outlook, while a File tab indicates classic Outlook. In a browser, personal Microsoft accounts use Outlook.com, while work or school accounts use Outlook on the web. ^{[ 3 ]}
2. Write the email first. Start a new message or reply, add the recipients, write the subject line, attach files, and proofread. If you are on Mac, make sure at least one recipient is on the To line before you try to schedule it. ^{[ 5 ]}
3. New Outlook for Windows: click the dropdown next to Send , choose Schedule send , pick a default time or set a custom one, and click Send . ^{[ 4 ]}
4. Outlook on the web or Outlook.com: click the dropdown next to Send and choose Schedule send . If you are on Outlook.com and see Send later instead, use that label, choose the date and time, and confirm. ^{[ 4 , 10 ]}
5. Classic Outlook for Windows: in the message window, open the small More options arrow in the Tags group, check Do not deliver before , choose the date and time, click Close , and then click Send . If you use the simplified ribbon, go to Options and then More commands first. ^{[ 4 ]}
6. Outlook for Mac: on the Send button, click the dropdown arrow, choose Schedule send , enter the date and time, and click OK . On some older Mac versions, you may see this labeled Send Later . ^{[ 5 ]}
7. Check where Outlook queued the message. New Outlook, Outlook on the web, and Outlook.com keep scheduled messages in Drafts . Classic Outlook holds delayed messages in the Outbox . Outlook for Mac also keeps the message in Drafts until the scheduled time. ^{[ 4 , 5 ]}
8. Change or cancel it if needed. In new Outlook or Outlook on the web, open the message from Drafts , click the edit pencil, and choose Send Now . In classic Outlook, open the message from Outbox , clear Do not deliver before , close the dialog, and send again. On Mac, open the draft and click Cancel Send , then send it now or reschedule it. ^{[ 4 , 5 ]}
9. Test with a message to yourself first. A quick self-test helps confirm you picked the right version path, folder, and time.

If Outlook's version split keeps slowing you down, Mailbird is a cross-platform desktop client worth a look. Mailbird says it works on Windows and Mac, can bring Outlook and other email accounts into one app, and includes a built-in Send Later feature. ^{[ 7 , 8 ]}

In Mailbird, compose or reply to the message, click the small clock on the Send button, and choose a preset time or Pick date & time . Mailbird notes that Send Later works when the app is open and has an internet connection at send time. ^{[ 9 ]}